A DOUBLE strike from Luke Hogg helped Guiseley Academy maintain their position at the top of the National League Under-19 Alliance Division I table in a 3-0 win over York City in a game played at Middleton Sports Centre.

The young Lions opened the scoring with a superb strike from Luke Hogg in the first half. In-form striker Kieron Ceesay produced another good finish to make it 2-0 as he bagged his ninth goal in eight games since being promoted to the Academy first team following the departure of leading scorer Jake Young to Sheffield United.

A well-taken penalty from Hogg took the score to 3-0 and saw the Academy bag another three points in their quest to retain their league title.

The management team were delighted with the result and performance.

Head coach Danny Ellis said: "The players were excellent and they followed the game plan to the last letter. The work-rate from the lads was at the level we need it to be and that put pressure on our opponents.”

Youth team manager Dave Currie added: "We have a young side and hopefully we can keep progressing as a group and as individuals. The players know that if they are performing Marcus and Russ will give them a shot in the first team so hopefully some can make the step up in the future."

Meanwhile, Leeds United U-23s are back at Guiseley's Nethermoor ground on Friday when they play Notts County in the PL Cup, with kick-off at 7pm.

The Whites’ young guns have featured at LS20 a couple of times this season so far with Marcelo Bielsa a regular spectator.

This PL Cup fixture is set to be crucial with Leeds knowing that a win would leave them in the qualification places prior to their final group game, also at Nethermoor, against Newcastle United on Monday, February 25 (7pm kick-off)

With a big crowd expected at Nethermoor tickets are available online or on the turnstiles priced at £3 adults, £1 for concessions and U-16s, with free entry for Guiseley season ticket holders.

Guiseley's football general manager James Pickles said: "We enjoy a great relationship with Leeds United and are looking forward to their U-23s returning to Nethermoor this month when a big crowd is expected for this fixtures.

"As a club we cannot wait to host two prestigious matches here and we look forward to seeing many LUFC fans turning up for some affordable Friday night football, as well as the Guiseley season ticket holders who can take advantage of free entry on showing their season ticket at the turnstile."